Ex-soldier punched cyclist in face in road rage attack
A road rage driver from Wolverhampton has been ordered to pay compensation to a cyclist who he punched in the face and left with a broken eye socket.
Former serviceman Philip Corner attacked the rider in front of other motorists on a busy road on December 26, 2019, and wished onlookers "Merry Christmas" before he drove away.
The ex-boxer pushed the cyclist across the road and landed a series of punches while the 57-year-old rider was still astride his bike and powerless to defend himself.
Corner drove off but returned to the scene shortly afterwards and claimed to police that he had been defending himself from the cyclist.
Other drivers insisted that he had been the aggressor and had got out of his car after exchanging words with the cyclist through the window.
Corner, 51, of Church Road, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 12 months, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,500 compensation by Judge Peter Johnson at Exeter Crown Court.
Shameful
The judge told him: "This was road rage and people who commit violence of that sort usually go straight to prison. I have read your army reference and you left with an exemplary record.
“That makes this offence all that much more shameful. You were clearly experiencing some stress in your life at the time when the cyclist remonstrated at your window, but none of that explains why you lost your temper so badly.”
Mr Richard Crabb, prosecuting, said the cyclist gestured with his hand because he thought Corner’s Volvo car passed too close to him on Yelland Road, Barnstaple, on Boxing Day, 2019.
The two men exchanged words before Corner got out and punched the cyclist five times, forcing him and his bike back across the road and causing an eye injury which is still causing numbness and blurred vision.
The victim made an impact statement saying his eye looked horrific and he still needs further treatment after 15 hospital visits.
Miss Emily Pitts, defending, said the offence happened when Corner had worries about his health. It was out of character and he had stayed out of trouble before and since the attack.
She said Corner had saved up money to cover his bills in the event of going to prison but it would also be available for compensation.
